554 HEDGEROW AND FIELD TIMBER. 
in the trees just referred to this does not usually exceed 5 or 6 
yards, with no large boughs, but as if all the strength was exerted 
in the production of clean, straight stems. As a timber tree the 
Cornish elm has not yet been fairly tested, although, for my own 
part, I am fully convinced that it quite equals the parent form, 
unless in the graining of the wood, to which it is decidedly prefer- 
able, as any one must acknowledge after an inspection of the planks 
preserved here. Five years ago a large tree of this elm was broken 
over, part of the trunk being used, experimentally, for repairing a 
vessel in the Menai Straits ; but sufficient time has hardly elapsed 
for opinions to be hazarded. So far, however, I may say the results 
are satisfactory. 
In Hampshire, growing on rich alluvial soil on the chalk, the 
Cornish elm has attained a height of 90 ft. in 40 years, with a cir- 
cumference of 43 ft. at a yard up. At Stamford House, in the 
same county, two of these trees—one on each side of the wicket 
entering the park—have attained a height of fully 130 ft., with 
girths of between 8 and 9 ft. ata yard up. The principal advan- 
tages of this tree, either for hedgerow or field planting, are that no 
pruning is required to keep the branches in bounds; that the 
spread of branches is very small in proportion to the tree’s height ; 
that the roots do not approach too near the surface, or ramify to a 
great extent, so as to become injurious to crops in their immediate 
vicinity ; and that the-.quantity and quality of timber produced is 
such as to compensate for the expenses connected with planting and 
after-management. 
The English elm (U. campestris) is another tree of great value for 
hedgerow and field use ; and is, perhaps, more commonly used for 
these purposes than any other. Like the Cornish variety, though 
in a much less degree, it has an upward inclination, the ramification 
of its branches being narrow in proportion to its height ; while as 
an ornamental tree and valuable timber producer it has few equals. 
It also admits of being placed im situ when of a large size, this 
being a recommendation in its favour where ground game abounds ; 
while, as regards choice of soil, it is by no means particular, so as it 
is not over damp or containing stagnant water, a rather dry sandy 
loam suiting it best. The wood is valuable, and in demand by the 
cart-wright, coach-builder, cabinet-maker, as well as for coffin 
boards, and in the construction and repairs of sailing vessels and 
pleasure boats. Should necessity demand it, the elm may be 
pruned without fear of harm ; but it is not one of the best subjects 
